1.
[18C–early 19C] (alsochieving-lay) cutting the braces of a coach (the strong leather straps that suspend the body of a coach from the springs); the coachman then dismounts and, while his attention is distracted by one robber, an accomplice plunders the boot of its contents; thus chiving layer, one who robs in this way.

2.
[late 18C–early 19C] (UK Und.) cutting open the back of a coach to steal the large wigs worn by the passengers.

3.
[mid-18C] the cutting off of a woman’s belt, thus stealing any jewellery or watches that might be attached.

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